Best Credit Cards To Build Credit
There are a lot of credit card options that are great for building credit.
Read MoreCredit Builder Card
Start or rebuild your credit history.
Perfect for a first-time credit card or for those wanting to build credit.
Platinum Secure Mastercard® helps build your credit history with monthly reporting to all 3 major credit bureaus. Plus, there’s no annual fee and no over-limit fee.APR is the Annual Percentage Rate. As of 02/03/2025 the variable APR is 18.00% based on market conditions related to the Prime Rate. There is no annual fee; however, late payment fees may reach $40. The foreign transaction fee is 1.00%, and a balance transfer fee of 3.00% of the total amount applies. A cash advance fee of 3.00% per transaction also applies, and interest on cash advances will be charged at your standard APR from the transaction date. All loans, including credit cards, are subject to credit approval, and additional restrictions may apply. Membership with Arkansas Federal Credit Union is required. Please refer to the Full Credit Card Account Agreement and Disclosures for complete details.
Interest Rates & Fees Summary
| Interest Rate | Annual Fee | Balance Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 18.00% APRAPR is the Annual Percentage Rate. As of 02/03/2025 the variable APR is 18.00% based on market conditions related to the Prime Rate. There is no annual fee; however, late payment fees may reach $40. The foreign transaction fee is 1.00%, and a balance transfer fee of 3.00% of the total amount applies. A cash advance fee of 3.00% per transaction also applies, and interest on cash advances will be charged at your standard APR from the transaction date. All loans, including credit cards, are subject to credit approval, and additional restrictions may apply. Membership with Arkansas Federal Credit Union is required. Please refer to the Full Credit Card Account Agreement and Disclosures for complete details. | $0 | 3%1 |
Benefits & Features
Tap to Pay (Contactless)
Pay in seconds with a tap of your card at a contactless-enabled terminal.
$0 Annual Fee
Delight in no annual fees or minimum finance charges. Hooray!
Paperless Statements
Enjoy access to view and archive your statements online safely and securely with Paperless Statements. No more filing paper statements, worrying about security concerns, or watching them pile up on your kitchen table.
Digital Banking
Enjoy convenient, secure 24/7 access to your accounts right from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Control your card 24/7, monitor your credit score with Credit IQ, pay bills, send secure messages, make digital payments, and so much more.
Digital Wallet
Instead of carrying your card around, securely store it in your phone’s digital wallet for quick checkouts in-store or online.
$0 Fraud Liability
You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your account or account information.Certain restrictions apply. See www.mastercard.us/zero-liability for details.
Authorized User
Share the convenience of your card with another authorized user. When you give them access to your account, they get their own personal card and can enjoy the same perks you do.
Identity Theft Resolution Services
Should you become the victim of Identity Theft, Mastercard will assist you with credit bureau notification and debit card replacement and provide you with an ID Theft Affidavit.Certain restrictions apply. For details, see the Guide to Benefits.
Go Cashless
When you add Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay to your credit or debit card, you not only save time at checkout, your payments are safer. Click the logos below for information on how to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a secured credit card work?
A secured credit card is different from other types of credit cards in that it requires a cash deposit to open the account. This money serves as collateral, providing security for the lender while you demonstrate your ability to manage credit and build or rebuild your credit. Aside from that, it functions the same as a regular credit card – you use it to make purchases, receive a monthly bill, then make payments.
Will the secured card help me build credit?
Yes! If you practice responsible habits, such as making payments on time and keeping your balance low, the secured card will help you build credit. We report to all three major credit bureaus, so the secured card is a good option for those looking to build or rebuild their credit.
Are there any fees?
A cash deposit is needed to open the account, but there are no annual fees or over-limit fees. However, you may be charged a late fee if you don’t make a payment on time.
How much is the deposit for the secured credit card?
The minimum deposit to open a secured card is $500. Your deposit will match the credit limit you are approved for. For example, if your credit limit is $1,000, you will need to put down a deposit of $1,000 to open the card. This money is put on hold in your Share Savings account.
Once I build more credit, can I apply for a regular or unsecured card?
Yes! Secured cards are meant to be a stepping stone on your journey to building better credit, not a permanent situation. We recommend making timely payments on your secured credit card for a minimum of one year before considering an unsecured card. Arkansas Federal offers different options for unsecured credit cards once you’ve built sufficient credit. You can reach out to our team at 800.456.3000 to request an upgrade.
Does the secured card come with rewards?
No, the secured card does not come with rewards. For a rewards card, check out Arkansas Federal’s 2% Cash Back Card.
How do I apply?
You can apply in just a few minutes online, or in person by visiting your nearest branch.
